Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to introducing technology into the state’s judicial system while also improving the welfare of workers across all sectors.
He made this known at the annual conference of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Enugu Branch, held at the Justice A.I. Umezuruike Auditorium, High Court, Enugu.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Legal Matters, Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze, Governor Mbah said his government was focused on transparency, efficiency, and speed in justice delivery by leveraging digital tools.
Some of the innovations already introduced include e-affidavits, e-filing, virtual hearings, and electronic transcript services through verbatim reporting. He noted that the training of the first set of verbatim reporters had already begun, which would not only improve judicial processes but also create jobs and equip young people with modern skills.
On workers’ welfare, the governor highlighted recent salary improvements, including paying Enugu workers above the national minimum wage and doubling the salaries of customary court chairmen and members. According to him, these measures reflect the administration’s appreciation of workers’ contributions to the state’s growth.
Governor Mbah also linked the judiciary reforms to his broader economic plan of raising Enugu’s GDP from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, stressing that a strong rule of law and efficient judiciary are crucial for business growth.
In his remarks, JUSUN Chairman in Enugu, Comrade Sampson Ifedimma, praised the governor’s commitment to workers and reforms. He encouraged judicial staff to embrace ICT, warning that those who resist digital literacy risk being left behind. He also requested land allocation for a Judicial Staff Farm Settlement to support the state’s agricultural initiatives.
The Majority Leader of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Johnson Ani, also commended Governor Mbah, describing the relationship between the executive, legislature, and judiciary as harmonious and focused on strengthening the rule of law.
The conference brought together major stakeholders in the justice sector and emphasized the state government’s determination to build a modern, technology driven judiciary.